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Instant vs storage water heater: which is right for your home?

Choosing a water heater in Singapore comes down to space, usage and budget. Here is a clear comparison of instant and storage heaters to help you decide.

03 Jun 2026

When it is time to replace a water heater, most Singapore households choose between an instant (tankless) heater and a storage (tank) heater. Both deliver hot water reliably. The right choice depends on how you live.

Instant water heaters

An instant heater warms water on demand as it flows through the unit, so it never runs out.

  • Compact, ideal for HDB bathrooms with limited space
  • Hot water immediately, with no waiting for a tank to heat
  • Lower standby energy use
  • Best suited to one outlet at a time

Storage water heaters

A storage heater keeps a tank of water hot and ready, usually mounted in the ceiling space or service area.

  • Can supply multiple outlets at once, handy for larger families
  • Steady temperature even during heavy use
  • Needs space for the tank and time to reheat once emptied

How to choose

Think about three things:

  • Space: tight bathrooms favour an instant heater
  • Demand: more bathrooms and simultaneous use favour storage
  • Budget: compare the unit, installation and running costs together

What it costs with us

We supply Rheem, Joven, Champs and Ariston heaters, or fit one you have already bought. A replacement with us starts from $250 for an instant heater and from $500 for a storage heater, with the new unit included. The final figure depends on the size of the unit, where it is mounted and whether you are changing from one type to the other, and we confirm it before we start. The electrical connection is carried out by a Licensed Electrical Worker and is always quoted separately.

If you are unsure which suits your home, we are happy to advise. Our water heater installation page covers what the job involves.

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